As Michigan college students graduate, approximately half of them don’t think twice about leaving the state to pursue a career and life elsewhere.

Interninmichigan.com is hoping to put a stop to that.

“It’s an effort to try and keep Michigan graduates in Michigan,” said Britany Affolter-Caine, coordinator of Intern In Michigan. “A lot of the talent this state needs leaves right after graduation. They’re unaware of the jobs that are available.”

Affolter-Caine said more than 400 employers have posted jobs on the Web site, and more than 3,000 students have used the Web site since its launch in April. More than 15 positions were filled.

Intern In Michigan is funded by a $2.4 million grant over five years from Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development and the New Economy Initiative, a fund from a number of different community foundations in southeast Michigan. Intern in Michigan’s goal is to place 25,000 college students into the Michigan workforce in the next five years.

The Web site was launched through partnerships with the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Michigan Department of Labor and Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan.

St. Clair Shores junior Erika Richter said she is not sure if she will remain in Michigan once she graduates because it depends on the job market, something she isn’t optimistic about.

“The Web site is something I would absolutely try,” she said. “I was born and raised here. Coming from metro-Detroit, I saw first-hand the ripple effects of job loss. People need to see more of Michigan, it’s a beautiful state.”

While students see the Web site as a good effort to keep graduates in Michigan, some can see how it would have a reverse affect.

“Graduates are worried about accepting unpaid internships,” Richter said. “It deters graduates from accepting jobs in Michigan. There’s just not enough information. The general idea is to graduate in Michigan and leave.”

For students who do want to stay, they see the Web site as an easier way to find a career in a tough job market.

“I’m going to be a teacher and it’s a pain to find districts that need teachers,” said Melissa Schebil, a Novi sophomore. “I haven’t really done anything with the Web site yet but I intend to. Why not? It makes finding a job much easier than scrounging from place to place.”

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E-mail the author: Will Axford